Employment Act

Employment Act (1946)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (15 U.S.C. §§ 1021–1022)

2) Why It Was Done
Passed after World War II to ensure economic stability, the Act declared it the policy of the federal government to promote maximum employment, production, and purchasing power. It aimed to prevent another depression and manage the postwar economic transition.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Before this Act, there was no statutory requirement for the federal government to pursue full employment or economic growth. The Act was based on Congress’s powers under the Commerce Clause.

Acts

Trade Act of 1974

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (19 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
The Trade Act of 1974 was enacted to give the President fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements, expand global commerce, and create mechanisms to deal with unfair foreign trade practices.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Prior trade laws gave presidents tariff authority, but this Act was the first to create fast-track procedures that limited Congress to an up-or-down vote on trade deals.

Acts

Federal Reserve Reform Act

Federal Reserve Reform Act (1977)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (12 U.S.C. §§ 225a, 263, 610)

2) Why It Was Done
Passed in the wake of the 1970s stagflation crisis, the Act clarified the Federal Reserve’s responsibilities, strengthened oversight, and set policy goals for monetary stability, employment, and growth.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Before this Act, the Federal Reserve’s mandate was less explicit. This law formalized a “dual mandate” of employment and price stability under Congress’s constitutional power over money.

Acts

Full Employment and Balanced Growth Act (Humphrey–Hawkins Act)

Full Employment and Balanced Growth Act (Humphrey–Hawkins Act, 1978)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (15 U.S.C. §§ 3101–3151)

2) Why It Was Done
Enacted during the economic turmoil of the 1970s (stagflation, high unemployment, and inflation), the Act built on the Employment Act of 1946 by setting explicit goals for reducing unemployment and inflation, while requiring the Federal Reserve to coordinate with Congress.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
The Employment Act of 1946 established a general commitment to economic stability. Humphrey–Hawkins expanded this by imposing numerical targets and mandatory reporting, grounded in Congress’s Commerce Clause powers.

Acts

Internal Revenue Code of 1986

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (26 U.S.C.)

2) Why It Was Done
The Internal Revenue Code of 1986 was enacted as part of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, a major overhaul of the U.S. tax system. It simplified tax brackets, broadened the base, and closed loopholes while lowering overall rates.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Federal income tax authority comes from the 16th Amendment (1913). Prior versions of the tax code existed (notably the Internal Revenue Code of 1954), but the 1986 reform modernized it.

Acts

CARES Act

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (2020)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (Public Law 116–136)

2) Why It Was Done
The CARES Act was enacted to provide massive emergency economic and public health relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, including stimulus payments, expanded unemployment benefits, business loans, and hospital funding.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
While past crises had prompted relief packages (e.g., TARP during the 2008 financial crisis), no law of this scale had ever been passed in response to a public health emergency.

Acts

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA, 2021)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (Public Law 117–2)

2) Why It Was Done
ARPA was enacted to provide continued economic and public health relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding on the CARES Act with more direct payments, extended unemployment aid, and major funding for vaccines, schools, and local governments.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
The CARES Act (2020) and follow-up relief bills laid the groundwork. ARPA extended and expanded those programs to address ongoing pandemic impacts.

Acts

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA, 2022)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (Public Law 117–169)

2) Why It Was Done
The IRA was passed to lower prescription drug costs, invest in clean energy, reduce the federal deficit, and address inflation concerns. It represented one of the largest climate and energy investments in U.S. history.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Built on provisions from the Affordable Care Act (2010) (health subsidies) and prior clean energy tax credits. Expanded tax code authorities rather than creating new constitutional frameworks.